A
Future Search is a proven strategy and process to help in planning for
change in an organization. It has been used in colleges, non-profits,
hospitals and businesses. A traditional strategic plan can take months
to conduct and consists of a small number of participants that represents
a cross section of the organization. A Futures Search can take up to 3
days, but includes many more participants including staff, managers, faculty,
students, and external constituencies.

The
participants at the conference self manage their task of "discovery,
dialogue, learning and planning." The group will look at such things
as the university's history, ideals, constraints, opportunities, and global
trends both internal and external.

The purpose of this process is to get people to understand
the need to change, agree upon a vision for the future, and agree upon
and make a commitment to take the first steps to realize this vision for
the future. The intent is to include as many people as possible to provide
input during the course of the Conference.